Day 1 of the 2010 Car Craft Summer Nationals

The 2010 Car Craft Summer Nationals presented by GM Performance Division roared to life at the Minnesota State Fairground. Even though this is Day 1 of three days, and technically a workday, hundreds of cars showed up for the start of three days of automotive bliss.

The day started quickly under an almost cloudless sky. Tires began squealing at the QA1 Autocross, engine screamed toward redline at the Lucas Oil Dyno Challenge presented by E3 Spark Plugs, and traction was strained to the limit at the CCSN Launch Box. Anyone can participate in the events but those three challenges are mandatory for the Real Street Eliminator competition.

The pictures and video below are to give you a taste of just some of what you can see here. Each participant was asked to fill out and display a form with the year, make model of their car, their name, hometown and lastly any "Cool Stuff" details. Some did this, some didn't. So, if there wasn't any information or the owner nearby we'd shoot the car anyway. No info doesn't mean the car isn't cool.

Tomorrow should be even busier as the weekend kicks off and gates open an hour earlier at 9:00 a.m. Check back here for more exclusive coverage and videos of the 2010 Car Craft Summer Nationals!